The Iyyun Kollel: Full-Spectrum Torah and Transformation

The IYYUN Kollel is a quarterly program of intensive Torah learning, which seeks to mobilize a full-spectrum selection of texts and practices for personal transformation and inter-communual integration.

Integrated Method

The Kollel’s curriculum centers on a single object/theme, which is selected from within the Torah canon (e.g. Flood/Mabul, Manna/Mon) for concentrated study and contemplation from a variety of perspectives. Based on the integrative structure of the PaRDeS, the entire corpus of Torah scholarship—from Chumash and Tanach, to Midrash and Mufarshim, to Mishnah and Gemara, to Halacha and Poskim, to Kabbalah and Chassidut—is utilized to develop a multifaceted and profound understanding of the chosen object that includes both legalistic detail and philosophic depth.

Inner Work

In addition to rigorous traditional text study, special attention will be given to practical “inner-work,” including both mussar and meditation.

Connecting Holy Studies to Ways of the World

The Iyyun Kollel is committed to the continued conversation between Torah and the world at large. After building our foundation in Torah texts we will engage and include insights, readings and lectures on the theme from visiting scholars representing related fields in the sciences, humanities, and arts.

Bridging Communities

It is an explicit goal of the Iyyun Kollel to bring together diverse groups of Jews from across the spectrum of the Jewish world in order to learn with and from each other in a diverse and dynamic environment. All should feel welcome to apply (although at this point we are only able to accept men).

When and Where

The Kollel will convene four times a year at the Iyyun Center in Brooklyn for programs ranging from 4-8 days. During this time students will engage in and be exposed to extended Chavrusa study, thematic lectures, group discussion, silent meditation, take-home spiritual exercises, and regularly scheduled daily Davenning.

Who

Rosh Kollel: Rav DovBer Pinson

Rav DovBer Pinson is a world-renowned Torah scholar, author and beloved spiritual teacher. Combining a rare mastery of both niglah and nistar, Rav Pinson is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on authentic Kabbalah and Jewish wisdom.

Founding Director: Jorian Polis Schutz

Jorian Polis Schutz is a pioneering cultural agent, author, publisher, and paradigm shifter. Aside from his work with the the Iyyun Kollel, Jorian also oversees the eco-visionary activities of Farfields Farm in Virginia, runs Deuteronomy Press and publishes the Misaviv Hebrew Circle Calendar.

Vukan Marinković is a classically trained Jewish philosopher with an entrepreneurial bent. Vukan has overseen numerous cultural productions including music and art festivals, as well as helped to establish the Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Zagreb in Croatia. Presently, Vukan is completing his PhD at Yeshiva University focusing on the philosophy of dialogue.

Creative Manager: Eden Pearlstein (MA J Phil, MA J Edu)

A contemporary Jewish poet, musician, scholar and educator, Eden's creative work combines Jewish text and tradition with creative process and consciousness practice. He is a founding member of the Darshan Project, and he holds 2 master’s degrees from JTS, one in Experiential Education and the other in Jewish Thought and Philosophy.

Senior Lecturer: Rabbi Shmuel Braun

Rabbi Shmuel Braun is a master educator, mentor and lecturer. Rabbi Braun learned for many years at the Ner Israel Yeshiva in Baltimore, the Brisk Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and other institutions affiliated with Yeshiva University, Munkatch, and Chabad. Rabbi Braun has taught at the Mayanot Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, and numerous other Torah institutions.

Educational Consultant: Rabbi Yakov Raskin

Rabbi Yakov Raskin is a curriculum developer at the JLI Institute. Additionally, Yanky is a regular presenter of Chassidic teaching at seminars focused on holistic health and mental well-being